SEBI Issues Notices to Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma Over Alleged IPO Irregularities

India’s financial sector, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reportedly issued show-cause notices to Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of Paytm, and the erstwhile board members of One 97 Communications Ltd, the parent company of Paytm. The notices pertain to alleged irregularities and misrepresentation of facts during the company’s initial public offering (IPO) in November 2021. The issuance of these notices has had a significant impact on the market, with Paytm shares experiencing a sharp decline. During intra-day trading, the shares fell by as much as 9 per cent, eventually closing 4.48 per cent down at Rs 530 apiece. Analysts have projected a potential downside of 16 per cent based on the average of 12-month price targets.

The allegations levelled by SEBI are not limited to misrepresentation of facts during the IPO. Reports citing multiple sources suggest that the notices also accuse Paytm of non-compliance with promoter classification norms. This aspect of the case has raised questions about the role and responsibilities of Vijay Shekhar Sharma within the company. Sharma, despite being the founder and CEO of One97 Communications Ltd, is not classified as a promoter according to stock exchange disclosures. This classification has allowed him to enjoy the rights of a promoter without the associated responsibilities and restrictions.

This issue was highlighted in a recent blog post by Institutional Investor Advisory Services Ltd, which also raised questions about Sharma’s stake in the parent firm and the employee stock options granted to him by the company ahead of the IPO. The SEBI probe into Paytm Payments Bank was initiated after receiving inputs from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The latest notice from SEBI could potentially complicate matters for Paytm, particularly in its efforts to get its payment aggregator licence reinstated.

The company recently received government approval to apply for the licence after assuring authorities that the funds in Paytm Payments Services accounts are not from foreign sources. This incident is reminiscent of similar events in the past where companies have faced regulatory scrutiny over IPO irregularities. For instance, in 2012, the social networking giant Facebook faced a lawsuit over alleged misrepresentation of its financial health ahead of its IPO. The case was eventually settled in 2018, with Facebook agreeing to pay $35 million.

The current situation with Paytm underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to regulatory norms during the IPO process. It also highlights the potential consequences of non-compliance, not just in terms of legal repercussions but also in terms of impact on share prices and investor confidence. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Paytm responds to the allegations and what steps it takes to address the concerns raised by SEBI. The company’s actions in the coming days and weeks will be closely watched by investors, regulatory authorities, and the broader financial sector.

The issuance of show-cause notices by SEBI to Paytm’s CEO and directors over alleged IPO irregularities is a significant development that has implications for the company and the wider financial sector. It serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance and transparency in business operations, particularly during critical processes such as an IPO. As the story continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Paytm navigates these challenges and what lessons other companies can learn from this situation.